Please take away Prince Andrew's title of Earl of Inverness, say city politicians including Highland councillor who describes continued association as "quite offensive"
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Calls are growing for Prince Andrew to lose his Earl of Inverness title after his military titles and royal patronages were returned to the Queen
It comes as he faces a US civil action over sexual assault allegations – claims he has consistently denied.
Prince Andrew has held the title of Earl of Inverness since 1986, following his marriage to Sarah Ferguson.
But Inverness MP Drew Hendry, along with some present and former Highland councillors, have added their voices to a growing chorus who believe it should be removed.
“If my mailbox is anything to go by, the vast majority of my constituents feel strongly that his association with our city comes to an end,” Mr Hendry said.
“When even the Queen believes that it is inappropriate for him to have the privilege of using the many titles he has accumulated, it is unthinkable for him to continue as the Earl of Inverness.”
Former Inverness West councillor Allan Duffy – also former veterans’ champion for Highland Council – has written to city councillors asking whether they will discuss the issue.
“I am in no way against our Royal family,” he said.
“In fact, I have a great affection for the majority of them having met them on numerous occasions during my military service.
“However, we must as a city stand with Her Majesty and not bring our wonderful city into disrepute by having links with a private citizen who is currently going through motions in court.”
The council’s present Armed Forces and veterans’ champion Councillor Roddy Balfour said other titles had been removed to protect the monarchy and felt the prince should also lose the title of Earl of Inverness.
“I think if one title goes, the lot have to go,” he said.
“To turn it on its head, the Earl of Inverness might be the one title he has left.”
Councillor Ron MacWilliam said there were calls for the prince to lose the title of Duke of York by elected politicians in that city.
“The Highland political establishment, it seems, will be the last to pipe up, if at all,” he said.
“Those of us who devote so much effort to making Inverness a great place to live and work find this continued association quite offensive.”
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael did not wish to comment.
A Highland Council spokeswoman said: “We have no comment, it is a matter for the Palace.
“There are no plans to discuss this matter at the City of Inverness Area Committee.”
What do you think? Email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk
Poll: Should Prince Andrew lose his title of the Earl of Inverness?
